Blog of cartoonist Terry Beatty. Terry's credits include THE BATMAN STRIKES, MS. TREE and SCARY MONSTERS magazine. Recent work includes THE ADVENTURES OF UNEMPLOYED MAN, RETURN TO PERDITION and King Features' THE PHANTOM. This blog is devoted to his work and whatever pop culture imagery he finds of interest. Visit his website at www.terrybeatty.com

Monday, September 14, 2009

There was a time when comic strips and the artists who created them were so popular, they'd appear on the cover of major national magazines -- as is the case here with Li'l Abner and his creator, Al Capp. Time and Life both cover-featured Capp's comic strip.

The Shmoo was a hugely popular Capp character -- shown here on a certificate given out to kids who'd bought government savings bonds.

Mammy and Pappy Yokum make an appearance on this child's valentine.

Abner and his folks in a B&W still from the motion picture version of the wonderful Broadway musical based on the strip.

A pair of Abner frame tray jigsaw puzzles. Y'know if you turn these upside down to place 'em on a scanner bed, comedy and/or tragedy may ensue....

The Harvey Comics Group, which published the Abner comic book, put together this promotional booklet showing media coverage of the strip. Cover and first page shown.

Li'l Abner sheet music cover illustration.

One of many examples of licensed Abner merchandise. This candy box comes from the defunct Dogpatch theme park in Kentucky.

I have more Capp/Abner items I'll eventually share here. Stop by again....